Admissions & Financial Aid

Now is the time to think about the MBA

For many college students, the biggest barrier to a Harvard Business School MBA is not the application process, but a hesitancy to apply based on misconceptions about HBS, the MBA program and most importantly, themselves.

The truth is, an HBS MBA may have its most transformative impact on participants with as few as two to three years of business experience. And to create a dynamic classroom environment that prepares leaders for a truly global economy, HBS actively seeks a diverse body of students reflecting differences in cultures, educational backgrounds and career interests.

Our College Initiative for early career applicants

As you consider the timing of your application, the real question is not "when" but who you are and where you stand along the career path. Our College Initiative offers options for three different kinds of potential candidates who are welcome to apply to HBS:

Juniors planning ahead

Harvard Business School has a special HBS 2+2 Program that combines two years of career development with the MBA. Many of our most promising students come to HBS without degrees related to business or economics. Instead, they may have studied science, engineering, or one of the liberal arts, then discovered business as a means for expressing leadership or realizing innovative ambitions. If the timing of this program aligns with your planning, we encourage you to learn more about the HBS 2+2 Program.

Seniors preparing next steps

As seniors plan for life after graduation, they should consider the advantages of an MBA as a foundation for personal and professional growth. If accepted, applicants have the option of postponing matriculation should they wish to pursue one or two years of additional work experience. The Admissions Board may also prescribe deferred admission to college seniors whom we feel would benefit from and better contribute to the MBA Program after some full-time work experience.

Currently enrolled college seniors enjoy an application fee reduction from $235 to $100. You may apply to the MBA Program during any one of the three application rounds. Each "round" represents a distinct period in which you may apply, not a succession of steps for your application. You may apply in one round only, one time in an application year.

Recent graduates starting careers

We encourage you to research your MBA options now and consider HBS as a viable choice early in your career. For the right applicant, one or two years of full-time work experience may be a robust foundation for a rewarding MBA education. Review the MBA site carefully, then Introduce Yourself to HBS so that we can keep you apprised of coming events.

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